Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Safety on Roofs Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for preventing, controlling and responding to fire risks during any work conducted on roofs. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, property and neighbouring structures while demonstrating due diligence under WHS legislation and fire safety requirements.

Working on roofs introduces a unique combination of fire and height risks, particularly where hot works, electrical installations, bitumen heaters, gas torches or cutting tools are involved. This Fire Safety on Roofs SOP sets out a structured, step‑by‑step process for planning, approving and conducting roof work in a way that minimises the likelihood of ignition and ensures a rapid, coordinated response if a fire occurs. It addresses common scenarios such as installing solar panels, carrying out roof repairs, using gas torches on membranes, cutting metal sheeting, and working near existing plant, cabling and combustible materials.

The procedure helps businesses integrate fire risk controls into their existing safe work method statements (SWMS) and working‑at‑heights systems, rather than treating fire safety as an afterthought. It provides guidance on roof‑top fire risk assessments, hot work permitting, isolation of services, safe use and positioning of gas cylinders, extinguishers and hose reels, and communication with building occupants and neighbours. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the risk of roof fires spreading into ceiling cavities, plant rooms or adjoining properties, avoid costly damage and project delays, and demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and relevant fire safety standards.

This document is designed for practical use on site, with clearly defined responsibilities for workers, supervisors and fire watchers, as well as pre‑start checklists, monitoring requirements and emergency response steps. It is suitable for construction sites, maintenance activities on existing buildings, industrial facilities, schools, hospitals and commercial premises where roof access and roof‑top work are regularly undertaken.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of roof‑top fires caused by hot works, electrical faults and ignition of combustible materials.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, hot work control requirements and relevant fire safety standards.
• Standardise fire prevention and emergency response procedures for all roof‑top activities across your organisation.
• Improve coordination between contractors, building management and emergency services during roof works.
• Minimise the likelihood of costly property damage, business interruption and reputational harm from preventable fire incidents.

Who is this for?

• Roofing Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Electricians working at heights
• Solar PV Installers
• Plumbers and HVAC Technicians
• Principal Contractors
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of combustible roof materials (insulation, membranes, sarking, timber battens)
• Fires in ceiling cavities and concealed spaces beneath roof sheeting
• Hot works hazards from gas torches, welding, grinding and cutting equipment
• Gas cylinder leaks, flashbacks and explosions on roofs
• Electrical fires from damaged or incorrectly isolated solar PV systems and cabling
• Spread of fire to adjacent buildings or structures
• Limited access and egress affecting fire response and evacuation on roofs
• Smoke inhalation and reduced visibility for workers during a roof‑top fire
• Falling while attempting to escape a roof‑top fire or smoke
• Heat stress for workers wearing PPE during hot work on roofs

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Fire Safety on Roofs
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisor, Workers, Fire Watcher)
• 4.0 Planning Roof‑Top Work and Fire Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Hot Work on Roofs – Permit Requirements and Controls
• 6.0 Control of Ignition Sources (welding, grinding, torches, electrical tools)
• 7.0 Management of Combustible Materials and Roof Cavities
• 8.0 Gas Cylinders and Fuel Storage on Roofs
• 9.0 Electrical and Solar PV Fire Safety Considerations
• 10.0 Required PPE and Firefighting Equipment for Roof‑Top Work
• 11.0 Access, Egress and Emergency Evacuation from Roofs
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Operating Procedure for Fire‑Safe Roof Work
• 13.0 Monitoring, Fire Watch and Post‑Work Inspections
• 14.0 Incident Response and Communication with Emergency Services
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Permits and Audit Requirements
• 17.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents), including provisions for high risk construction work and hot work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 1674.1: Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Fire safety and roof/ceiling cavity fire spread provisions
• Relevant state and territory Fire and Rescue Service guidelines for hot work permits and roof‑top activities